Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church (USA), Columbia SC

Missions/Outreach Ministry

Mark Wishart

The ministry is responsible for empowering the congregation in ministries of personal, social healing, and reconciliation in the communities in which Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church bears witness, and to lead the congregation to participate in the mission of the whole Church in the world.

Seven Oaks supports numerous mission projects offering members many opportunities to be involved in ministry. To the right is a list of some of the local mission ministries our church supports and is actively involved with.

The Missions Ministry also provides members with an opportunity to support special mission projects both locally and across the world through designated offerings such as, One Great Hour of Sharing, Father's Day Offering, Peacemaking Offering, Joy Gift, and Thanksgiving Offering. Globally we receive and distribute donations to Heifer International from the Alternative Gift Market and we support Dan and Elizabeth Turk, our missionaries in Madagascar. You may view their website here. Furthermore, we took an offering and contributed to Sarah Robinson's year long Young Adult Volunteers sponsored mission in Guatemala during 2006-2007 and Tuscon, Arizona in 2007-2008.

Since 1995 Seven Oaks has been actively involved in Habitat for Humanity, building several homes for deserving homeowners, as well as repairs and remodeling of others. Click here to see video highlights of this mission/outreach. You will be taken off-site------please be sure and return.

COLUMBIA PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER: Offers psychotheraphy, support, education and guidance to individuals and groups in the South Carolina midlands. Their mission is to offer counseling for persons struggling with life issues and to offer opportunities for spiritual growth and wellness. Operating since 1991, the center is a validated ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Click here to view their brochure.

COOPERATIVE MINISTRY: Responds to the needs of people in crisis. Provides an organized, unified response to the many needs of the community with a centralized effort that prevents duplication of service and provides for easier record keeping.

LEXINGTON INTERFAITH COMMUNITY SERVICES (LICS): Provides assistance for individuals and families in Lexington and other nearby counties. Emergency services include food, clothing, limited financial assistance, referrals and short term counseling.

SHARING GOD'S LOVE: A local cooperative ministry, operating as an extension of the area, works with community families and individuals facing emergencies related to their basic living needs - food, clothing, financial assistance, spiritual support.

PROVIDENCE MEN'S HOME: Provides emergency and temporary shelter and food to homeless men. Seven Oaks members provide and serve meals once a month. A favorite meal of the men is the Thanksgiving dinner we serve annually. Pictures from 2006 are below.

WOMEN'S SHELTER: Provides emergency/temporary shelter and food, counseling services, a dental clinic and a health- screening clinic.

SISTERCARE: Provides safe, emergency shelter and essential services for battered women and their children. It also operates a Health Screening Program and a Dental Center.

HOMEWORKS: Home Works' activities focus on providing home repairs to homeowners in need, assisting youth in their development and empowering communities to meet the needs of its members

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Provides opportunities for building permanent housing for those in need in our community.

MISSION TRIPS: Opportunities for service through mission trips involving adults and youth.

CROP WALK: Seven Oaks members take part in the CROP walk every year.

TWO CENTS A MEAL: Members of Seven Oaks place 2 cents in a container at every meal. The money is brought to the church once a month and used to buy food for the hungry both here and abroad.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40